Dormitories Choose Proctor Teams for '17-'18 School Year
Dorm proctor decisions were recently finalized for the 2017-2018 school year. With just under a month of spring term remaining, the new proctors, consisting of both rising uppers and seniors, have begun to work with the old proctor teams and dorm faculty to familiarize themselves with their new responsibilities.
“Sometimes it takes four hours or three days just with the deliberation.”
Proctors serve as both student leaders and peers for their dorm mates and are vital to the promotion of a healthy dorm atmosphere. History Instructor and Webster Dorm Head Giorgio Secondi defined the role of proctors: “Proctors are expected to be role models in the dorm—to put the wellbeing of their doommates first, reach out to new kids, communicate regularly with faculty and help enforce school and dorm rules,” he said. “I always emphasize with candidates that the proctorship is not about power but rather about service.”
Proctor selections were conducted after an approximately week long application process, the intensity of which varies from dorm to dorm. Most consisted of an application questionnaire, interviews and discussions held by faculty members and the current proctor team. Other dorm residents were also given the opportunity to offer their input, although the final decision was left to the faculty and current proctors.
Meanwhile, all proctor candidates were required to attend sessions led by Dean of Residential Life Arthur Cosgrove, detailing the specific responsibilities and expectations of a dorm proctor. Chair of Health Education and Dorm Head of McConnell Hall Michelle Soucy mentioned that through attending the sessions, students could get a better idea of the role of a proctor. “Applicants are asked to think about if it’s what they really want to do and if they’re up for the responsibility,” she said.
Soucy stated that there are numerous goals in the selection process, explaining that she focused not only on selecting a number of capable individuals, but also on creating a well-rounded team of proctors who would foster a balanced dorm environment. “I think the most important thing is to have different kinds of people in terms of how people would approach things because not everyone will connect with every proctor,” she said.
Lower and newly appointed proctor in Soule Hall Adrian Venzon emphasized that a successful group of proctors should be capable of working well with each other. “A good proctor team consists of people who listen to each other and are able to speak up when they feel their opinion isn't being heard. A lot of what happens during Harkness discussions should translate into things like fac-proc [faculty-proctor meetings],” he said.
Many students consider the proctor position to be the best way for them to serve a community they care deeply about. Upper and new McConnell proctor Megi Topalli reflected on how her dorm has always been the most important part of her Exeter experience. “I’ve wanted to be a proctor since I was a prep. I really want to give back to my dorm and support the younger ones who might need guidance or experience,” she said. “I’m looking forward to keeping an eye on everybody and making sure that the dorm environment is loving, warm and supportive for everybody. I’m also looking forward to organizing dorm events, attending fac-proc and just being seen as an approachable figure in the dorm like a big sister.”
According to several dorm heads, decisions are never easy to make. “Sometimes it takes four hours or three days just with the deliberation,” Soucy said. Secondi agreed, elaborating on the specific challenges he had faced during the most recent proctor selections. “This year we had the largest applicant pool we’ve ever had,” he said. “It was also a very strong pool, so we had no choice but to turn down candidates with definite strengths and potential. It’s hard to do that, but I always like to remind students that one doesn’t need the title of proctor to be a great dorm mate and a positive role model.”
However stressful the process may be, senior and proctor of Soule Hall Brian Choi hopes that future proctors make sure to help new students acclimate to Exeter life and create a more comfortable environment for everyone in the dorm. “A good proctor makes sure that his/her dorm mates and peers don’t feel intimidated by the upperclassmen proctors,” Choi said. “A good proctor should act more like a ‘brother/sister’ than a ‘leader.’”